Dentists Identify Breast Cancer from Saliva Proteins

Protein markers in saliva can distinguish women with breast cancer from those with benign tumors and those with healthy cells. These findings potentially could enable dentists and physicians to detect breast cancer during routine office visits.

A study was performed to determine whether protein byproducts secondary to cancer- related oncogenes appear in the saliva of breast cancer patients. Dr. Charles Streckfus, professor of diagnostic sciences at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center (Houston, TX, USA) and colleagues analyzed saliva samples from 30 women--10 with benign tumors, 10 with malignant tumors, and 10 without tumors. They found 49 proteins that differentiated between the women with tumors and those without. In a previous study, Prof. Streckfus identified 85% of malignancies with one differing breast cancer protein; a rate he estimated could approach 95% if additional proteins were analyzed.

In this study, with additional analysis, the scientists were able to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. According to Prof. Streckfus, the extra analysis could help eliminate false-positive results and allow doctors to determine the next treatment options for women with breast cancer.

A large, multicenter trial is planned in about two years at the UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas, USA) and the UT Dental Branch (Houston, Texas, USA). The proposed test will be conducted on a gold-plated chip or lab dish. A laser will then be used to distinguish protein markers in saliva applied to the chip. Such a test would be used in conjunction with other tools, including mammograms. There are currently no blood tests available for detecting breast cancer.

"This will be a noninvasive, quick means of detection,” Prof. Streckfus said about the new test. "With it, dentists will be able to catch cancers before a woman can feel a lump.”

Prof. Streckfus noted that the test could be useful for breast cancer survivors who need to be monitored regularly and also in developing countries that lack mammography technology.


Related Links:
University of Texas Health Science Center
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas Dental Branch